CS310649-B May 12, 2020

Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are life-threatening 

diseases caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella

Paratyphi bacteria. These bacteria can be spread by 

eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Typhoid 

and paratyphoid fever affect an estimated 11–21 million 

people worldwide each year. These diseases are 

rare in the United States, but they are common in 

many countries. 

Some people also have a cough or rash. Internal bleeding and death can occur but are rare.

 

 

Symptoms

Where are the diseases most common?

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are common in many parts of the world, including South Asia, 

so travelers to Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh should take precautions to protect themselves 

from these infections. Other areas of highest risk include parts of East Asia, Africa, the 

Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East. In the United States, about 425 

people are diagnosed with typhoid and 125 with paratyphoid fever each year, most often after 

traveling outside of the United States. 
Prevention Tips for Travelers

Follow safe food and water practices when traveling abroad. Typhoid fever can also be prevented 

with vaccines. There is no vaccine for paratyphoid fever.

1. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever.

Travelers to places where typhoid fever is common, including eastern and 

southern Asia (especially Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh), Africa, the Caribbean, 

Central and South America, and the Middle East, should be vaccinated against 

typhoid fever. 

Visit your doctor or a travel clinic at least 2 weeks before travel to discuss the 

two typhoid fever vaccine options available in the United States. Your doctor 

will help you decide if pills or a shot is best for you and your family. Remember 

that you should complete the vaccinations at least 1–2 weeks before you travel 

(depending on the type of vaccine).

Typhoid vaccines are only 50–80% effective, so you should still be careful about what you eat and 

drink to decrease your risk of getting typhoid fever and many other illnesses.

2. Practice safe eating and drinking habits.

Carefully select what you eat and drink when you travel. You can reduce your risk while traveling in 

countries where typhoid and paratyphoid fever are common by:

• Boiling, cooking, or peeling food before eating

• Only drinking water that is bottled or has been

boiled for 1 minute (3 minutes at elevations above

6,500 feet)

• Avoiding drinks with ice, unless the ice is made from

bottled or boiled water

• Washing your hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, or preparing food

• Not eating food prepared by anyone who is sick or was recently sick

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever

 

If you feel very sick during or after travel, seek medical care. 

• Talk to your doctor or nurse if

you feel very ill, especially if

you have a fever.

• Tell them when and where

you traveled.

• They may conduct tests that

can diagnose infection.

• Avoid contact with other

people while you are sick.

• Do not prepare or serve

food to other people.

• Typhoid and paratyphoid

fever are treated with

antibiotics.

• Take them for as long as

the doctor recommends,

even if your symptoms go

away.